The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is streamlining customs inspections by reducing sampling requirements for similar goods imported or exported under customs warehousing and processing regimes. According to AADE, the new approach is expected to cut administrative burdens on businesses and speed up customs clearance—addressing long-standing delays caused by current inspection procedures.
Modernized Inspection Framework
A new circular issued by AADE Director Giorgos Pitsilis (E.2030/2026) updates the framework for conducting inspections targeting businesses—especially in manufacturing—that regularly import and export homogeneous goods with consistent characteristics. The changes maintain the effectiveness of customs controls while significantly easing compliance requirements.
Scope and Impact
The measure applies to over 500 companies operating under special customs processing regimes. Annually, these firms submit more than 28,500 declarations related to customs processing for re-export or re-import—declarations previously subject to random sampling checks. Under the new rules, sampling inspections for repeat shipments of identical goods are reduced, customs clearance is accelerated, eligibility criteria are simplified, and validity periods are extended—with particular flexibility offered to trusted operators, including Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs).
AADE continues modernizing customs procedures through targeted interventions that support lawful business activity, strengthen control efficiency, and contribute to Greece’s broader economic resilience.